27/07/2025
I work with a lot of people with nervous system issues and feeling how nervous systems change during a treatment is one of my favourite parts of CranioSacral Therapy 🥰
Here’s what research says about how CST can potentially help support the nervous system:
🔹 Enhances parasympathetic activity
Studies using heart rate variability (HRV) show CST can significantly increase high-frequency HRV, a marker of vagal (parasympathetic) tone (Matarán-Peñarrocha et al., 2011; Jäkel & von Hauenschild, 2011).
🔹 Reduces sympathetic overdrive
CST decreases the dominance of the sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”), helping to lower stress hormone levels, reduce tension, and support deep relaxation (Upledger & Vredevoogd, 1983).
🔹 Regulates the vagus nerve
Gentle techniques like occipital decompression may influence the vagus nerve—a key player in stress recovery, digestion, and emotional regulation (Sills, 2011; Rosenblum, 2023).
🔹 Supports trauma-informed healing
By improving nervous system regulation, CST has shown promise in addressing trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD (Jäkel et al., 2020).
Nervous system dysregulation can show up in ways you might not expect. Common conditions linked to it include:
✨ Anxiety & depression
✨ Chronic stress & burnout
✨ Insomnia
✨ IBS & digestive issues
✨ Fibromyalgia & chronic pain
✨ PTSD & trauma responses
✨ ADHD & emotional overwhelm
💬 Clients often report feeling significantly calmer during and after treatment
Message me to book or if you have any questions
